Today is April 18. A day that serves as both excited government employee holiday, and day to keep only the most hearty of us from feeling overwhelmed, tired, and even sleepless. When you hear the phrase, ‘what keeps you up at night,” for me, it’s not much. Not even taxes. I’m old fashioned, believe in the system and pay, like everyone, and I sleep well, but It got me thinking… 90 million Americans suffer from sleep deprivation, or insomnia every night. Busy schedules and never ending to-do lists make it easy to place a low priority on getting enough sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 60% of adults report feeling sleep deprived on a regular basis. Getting enough sleep and waking up feeling rested are as important as eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise, according to the Centers for Disease Control. A good night’s rest helps us stay alert and think clearly the next day, and can reduce stress and depression. If you’re cutting back on sleep because you think you don’t need as much, or if anxiety about your job or the economy is causing insomnia, you could be doing more harm to your body than you realize.

Long term sleep deprivation has been linked to a higher risk of the following:

Heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes

Being involved in a car accident due to slower reaction time

Depression and substance abuse

Inability to concentrate and pay attention

How much sleep is enough? Check out the show, and my 5 Tips for a Better Sleep.